Wausau hosts Freestyle Kayak National Championships [Video]

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) – The Freestyle Kayak National Championships are making their first appearance in Wausau this weekend, drawing over 50 competitors from across the United States. This event serves as a qualifier for the U.S. National Team, which will compete at the World Championships next summer.

Emily Jackson, a Tennessee native and a member of the U.S. National Team Committee, played a key role in bringing the competition to Wausau.

“This community, Wausau Whitewater, is a deep field of paddlers who just love kayaking. It brings in some fresh new faces and the town’s just awesome. It’s a great location, great venue, great feature—all the reasons to host an event,” Jackson said.

Jackson, who has been on the U.S. team for over 20 years, views kayaking as more than just a sport.

“For me, kayaking is just a vessel that gets me outside and have fun with my friends,” …